participants in a formal discussion use language that is

Participants in a formal discussion use language that is how to#

Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion.Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities.The discussion is not dominated by any one person.A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed.Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback.Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed.All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly.All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts.It’s much closer to acting as a facilitator, but not exactly the same as that either.Īn effective group discussion generally has a number of elements:

Leading a discussion group is not the same as running a meeting.It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself.Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting.It’s less formal, and may have no time constraints, or structured order, or agenda.That may lead to a goal ultimately.but it may not. It may not have a specific goal – many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic.When the group numbers eight or more, a leader or facilitator, whether formal or informal, is almost always helpful in ensuring an effective discussion.Ī group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: A group of two or three generally doesn’t need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. The literal definition of a group discussion is obvious: a critical conversation about a particular topic, or perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of a size that allows participation by all members. In this last section of a chapter on group facilitation, we’ll examine what it takes to lead a discussion group well, and how you can go about doing it. You also may be in a position to lead one, and that’s what this section is about. Group discussions are common in a democratic society, and, as a community builder, it’s more than likely that you have been and will continue to be involved in many of them. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group.Īll of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. A politician convenes a “town hall meeting” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the effects of global warming. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. When might you lead a group discussion?Ī local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community.

Participants in a formal discussion use language that is how to#

Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization.